Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) announced today that it will donate $1 million to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
“When the storm hit southeast Texas, we took immediate action to offer support to those impacted – including members, employees and communities,” stated Dr. Dan McCoy, president of Richardson-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, in a press release.”We also knew the road to recovery would be long and that it would take some time to identify the region’s long-term needs.
“As the flood waters receded, we thought strategically about how our support could make the biggest difference,” McCoy continued. “With that in mind, we made the decision to donate to four organizations with programs in place to help those in need. We hope our donation will play a small part in helping victims of this horrific storm to recover.”
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, BCBSTX donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross in respond to urgent housing, food and health needs in the Houston area. The remaining BCBSTX contributions to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts will be distributed as follows:
- United Way of Greater Houston – $300,000 to support basic needs of the organization’s clients as well as case management of funding opportunities as defined by their grant funnels;
- Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) – $300,000 to support the most pressing needs as identified by leading nonprofits in the Houston community. The GHCF was set up by Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett for victims affected by Hurricane Harvey.
- Feeding Texas – $300,000 to support food banks’ efforts to distribute food across the disaster zone.
In addition to the monetary donations of BCBSTX employees – some of whom were themselves impacted by the storm many also gave personal time to serve evacuees in shelters across the state – particularly in Beaumont, Houston, Corpus Christi, Dallas and Austin.
BCBSTX employees also helped more than 1,900 displaced families, including administering vaccinations for 700 adults and children through the Care Van® Program. Moreover, BCBSTX employees also provided more than 1,600 bags filled with various toiletries, including toothbrush kits, bars of soap, face cloths and deodorant, to The Houston Area Urban League, Kids’ Meals, Catholic Charities and the city of Houston.
As well, in addition to the $1 million donation from BCBSTX, 22 Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans across the country have donated more than $2.3 million to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
“Our efforts to help the greater Houston region to recover will not end with our donation today,” McCoy stated. “We plan to be a part of the recovery effort for the long haul.”
